One-Step Nanoscale Patterning of Silver Ionic Ink via Elastic Mold Deformation

A one-step method for nanoscale patterning of silver ionic ink on a substrate is developed using a microscale, elastic mold deformation. This method yields unique micro/nanoscale metallic structures that differ from those produced using the original molds. The linewidth of these metallic structures is significantly reduced (approximately 10 times) through the sidewall deformation of the original mold cavity on a thin liquid film, as verified by finite element analysis. The process facilitates the fabrication of various, isolated and complex micro/nanoscale metallic structures with negligible residual layers at low cost and high throughput. These structures can be utilized for various applications, including optoelectronics, wearable sensors, and metaverse-related devices. Our approach offers a promising tool for manipulation and fabrication of micro/nanoscale structures of various functional materials